Shoojit Sircar has said that John Abraham's knowledge of the politics behind Madras Cafe made him ideal for its lead role.

The controversial political thriller is the former model-turned-actor's second major production after the hit comedy Vicky Donor.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

He told Hindustan Times: "From the beginning, I was talking to John and never approached anyone else. When he came on board he knew the subject. It helps the director when his actor understands the subject and is aware about the civil war and the politics around it. Then, the depth of the performance naturally comes in.

"Obviously, this is one of his best performances by far. I won't say it's his greatest, but it's surely one of the top ones till date."

Sircar added: "The casting, cinematography and background score by Shantanu Moitra are key elements. I needed credible faces and looked for an out-of-Mumbai cast, preferably never seen before in cinema. So for example, when you fit some of them in a cabinet meeting, they look like people who can take policy decisions."